Former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk Faces EFCC Questioning Over Alleged 37.1 Billion Naira Fraud

Sadiya Umar-Farouk, the former minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, is set to be questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of involvement in a 37.1 billion naira fraud. This development follows the arrest of Halima Shehu, the National Social Investment Programme Agency’s former head, who is also linked to the alleged fraud.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Shehu’s suspension in connection with the ongoing investigation. An EFCC official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Shehu was implicated in the alleged fraud during her tenure as the former National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, which fell under Umar-Farouk’s ministry.

The EFCC’s probe into the matter has been ongoing, with the recent summons of a contractor, James Okwete, also related to alleged fraudulent activities during Umar-Farouk’s time as minister.

This development has raised concerns about the management of funds in the ministry and the National Social Investment Programme. It has also highlighted the need for thorough investigations and accountability in government spending to ensure transparency and prevent financial misconduct.

Source: Daily Post